The gene for human evolution?Scientists at Harvard University have identified a gene unique to humans that might be a clue to the emergence of our species. The gene, known as Tre-2, is thought to have emerged between 21 and 33 millions years ago, when primates started becoming human-like. Scientists used knowledge from the Human Genome Project to search for differences among primates’ DNA. The Tre-2 gene is found in humans and our close relatives only, and is absent from other primates. One speculation is that the appearance of Tre-2 may have triggered the evolution of the human species.Source: BBC News—Wendy GuSon of ViagraU.S. drug giant Eli Lilly has launched a new drug for men suffering from impotence. The drug, Cialis, works the same way Viagra does: by acting on an enzyme that regulates blood flow to the penis, making it easier to achieve an erection. Cialis is an improvement over Viagra, however, in that its effects last longer—typically 24 hours, compared to just four and half for Viagra. A common complaint from Viagra users is that they have to plan their sex lives because the drug’s effects are so short lasting. At present Cialis is available only in Europe, Australia and New Zealand.Sources: The Daily Telegraph, Cialis Online —Matt CarterRadio easy on the eyesA new treatment known as conductive keratoplasty may be able to reverse the deterioration of near-range vision caused by aging. The procedure uses radio waves to reshape the eye’s cornea without surgery. Patients are given anesthetic while doctors use a tiny probe to emit radio waves at the surface of the eye. The waves reshape the cornea to adjust its curvature, correcting vision and making reading glasses unnecessary. This treatment, developed in the US, has just become available in Britain and is expected to quickly eclipse laser surgery in popularity.Source: BBC News—Wendy Gu
